"Mental Health Specialist III (Full Time)"

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Mental Health Specialist III for the Child & Adolescent Services – Children's Transitional Residence of University Behavioral Healthcare.

Provides daily care and supervision to children residing in the Children's Transitional Residence. Participates as a member of a milieu treatment team in carrying out a residential mental health care program and related services to children (ages 5-11 years) at CTR. Demonstrates competence in recognizing the unique needs and behaviors of children.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Interacts with child/patients (ages 5-11 years) in a therapeutic manner.
• Takes initiative in engaging children and families in a tactful manner as observed by supervisor and as indicated by feedback from patients and team members.
• Assess children's (ages 5-11 years) interpersonal behavior and participation and interest in their environment in accordance with established Center policies as monitored by supervisor.
• Formulates and implements intervention that facilitates child well being as monitored by supervisor.
• Documents assessments, interventions and interactions with children in accordance with Unit policies as reviewed by supervisor.
• Plans and implements appropriate and therapeutically effective milieu therapy activities from children (ages 5-11 years) as indicated by feedback from team members and by supervisory review.

Minimum Education and Experience

Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in an appropriate mental health field or two (2) years of college majoring in a relevant mental health field plus one (1) year of full-time relevant experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands: Employee must be physically active and be on feet most of day. Duties may involve bending and lifting objects up to 25 lbs., running and playing active games with children and adolescents (ages 5-11 years) and driving minivans or other vehicles. Following training must be physically capable of safely providing personal restraints to agitated children (ages 5-11 years).

Work Environment: Crowded and moderately noisy conditions with children and staff moving about.

Special Conditions

Able to work combination shifts (day, evening and/or overnight) as assigned.